Objectives
To better characterise signalment, biologic behaviour, and treatment outcome in melanocytic tumours of the nasal planum in cats.
Materials and Methods
Retrospective study in cats diagnosed with histopathologically confirmed melanocytic tumours on the nasal planum.
Results
Ten cats were identified with melanocytic tumours of the nasal planum. Pigmentation of the nasal planum seemed to be a predisposing factor. Seven cats were diagnosed histopathologically with a malignant melanoma, three with a benign melanocytoma. One of the cats developed a lymph node metastasis despite diagnosis of a well‐differentiated melanocytic neoplasia. In four cases, a pigmented mass, which was initially stable over a long time, showed a sudden rapid progression suggesting malignant transformation. Treatments included hypofractionated radiation therapy (n = 6) and surgical resection (n = 1). In three cats no further treatment was pursued. Complete (n = 3) and partial (n = 3) remissions were observed in cats treated with radiation therapy; however, all experienced tumour progression or recurrence after a short period of time. Most of the cats (n = 7) had to be euthanased due to tumour progression (median survival time: 265 days).
Clinical Significance
The present case series provides insights in clinical presentation and clinical outcomes of cats with melanocytic tumours of the nasal planum.
Bovine respiratory diseases (BRD) occurring in the feedlot represent the major disease entity during the feeding period. Several bacteria, viruses, and Mycoplasma spp are reported as causative agents. Feedlot BRD may occur at various times, although the early disease appearing after arrival and processing often receives the most attention. The diagnostician and clinician are faced with several clinical presentations and agents/lesions in the fatal cases.
The purpose of this study was to chart the fatal pneumonia cases over a one-year period in one Oklahoma feedyard, recording agent identification, observed pathology and animal treatment information. These cattle died either in the sick pen or suddenly in regular feeding pens without treatment. A clinical diagnosis of BRD was assigned to all cases charted. Samples of lung collected at necropsy (fresh and formalin fixed) were submitted for agent identification and histopathology. In the later stages of the study, skin samples were tested for BVDV by immunohistochemistry (IHC).
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